[uucdigest] Monday, January 24 2000 Volume 03 : Number 107 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | For all available Digest commands including unsubscribe/subscribe, | visit the BMW UUC Digest page: http://www.uucdigest.com | Send SUBMISSIONS to [EMAIL PROTECTED] | Complaints? Send 'em to [EMAIL PROTECTED] if you must. | Visit http://www.bubbaclub.com | www.bimmers.com - "serving enthusiasts on the 'net" | Visit http://www.bimmer.org - ultimate BMW bulletin boards! | Subscribe to the Zionsville Autosport Parts Digest: | http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/majordomo.htm ����������������������������������������� In this BMW UUC Digest: [uuc] Fuel Efficiency vs. Power Efficiency [uuc] Thermostat Housings [uuc] Busted Hirschman Antenna RE: [uuc] Making a newer BMW handle/feel like a 'classic' BMW [uuc] Obviously NOT a weekend mechanics car . . . [uuc] V1 rearview mirror install Re: [uuc] re: "M" Provenance [uuc] <FS> 94 325is [uuc] RE: Adventures in Mexico Re: [uuc] thermostat housing [uuc] snow, abs, lsd, iX and tires [uuc] <E30> Stumbles. Runs on 5-cylinders Re: [uuc] thermostat housing [uuc] <FS> '89 325iX - it's snowing, you need it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2000 11:26:55 -0800 From: "KKiely" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] Fuel Efficiency vs. Power Efficiency Bill, The motor is actually more power/volumetric efficient when the air charge is cooler. The air charge is denser and the difference is temperature between the inlet charge and exhaust is greater making more power possible. When the inlet air is warmer, the air charge is less dense and less gas is needed to maintain near stochiometric. - -Kevin ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2000 14:53:26 -0500 From: "Steve D'Gerolamo" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] Thermostat Housings BMW did go to plastic thermostat housings on E36 and other models which have had cracking problems. Replacement plastic units with new o-rings run around $32.00...you can the aftermarket aluminum ones for around $34.00. SD ========================================= Steve D'Gerolamo - The Ultimate Garage 201-262-0412 / [EMAIL PROTECTED] / http://www.ultimategarage.com ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2000 15:07:27 -0500 From: Chip Baines <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] Busted Hirschman Antenna Last year I replaced the power antenna in my '86 528e with one from Hirschman, purchased from Bavarian AutoSport. It's worked well for a year, right up to the cold snap that we had here in the northeast last week. The outside temp was around 0 degrees F, and when the antenna retracted one of the plastic gears inside snapped - lost a couple of teeth. My guess is that in the cold the plastic turned brittle and couldn't take the stress when the antenna bottomed out. So now the motor just turns and turns without the mast going anywhere. I took it apart over the weekend and found the broken gear. Anyone ever tried to repair one of these things? Anyone have a disemboweled antenna sitting around the'd like to sell for parts? Other suggestions for how to get this part? I'd hate to have to buy a whole new antenna just because of a couple of missing teeth on a gear. TIA. - -Chip Baines BMW CCA '86 528e '97 328iC ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2000 15:01:54 -0500 From: Don Eilenberger <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: RE: [uuc] Making a newer BMW handle/feel like a 'classic' BMW Jay is looking for retro.. >Here's a serious question: To what extent can a newer BMW (e.g. E36, E39, >E46) be *modified* so that it regains more of the tossability/nimbleness, >feedback, handling balance and greater fun-to-drive-at-the-limit factor of >the older BMWs with the 'classic' feel (e.g. 2002, E30, E28)? (For the >sake of discussion, let's assume that the newer cars -- good as they are -- >are not as good as the older BMWs in these areas). Not a good assumption - have you driven an M-Coupe? More tossable than any E30 or E28 I've ever driven, more nimble, better feedback, better handling balance and DEFINATELY more fun-to-drive. So - simple answer. Trade in the other new ones on an M-Coupe. >Recent posts have indicated that as newer BMWs have gained refinement >(probably a good thing overall), they have also felt more isolated and been >tuned for 'dumbed down' handling, providing less tactile feedback through >the steering and the seat, less aural feedback/music, a clear bias to >understeer, etc. M-Coupe is exactly not what you describe above. I can usually tell the brand of cigarette butt that I drive over with the coupe.. (slight exageration - but not a lot). Has a wonder amount of feedback via the taut suspension and very firm seats. Steering is think where you want to go (and very quick) - and as far as a clear bias to understeer - heck - I don't want that - I want the understeer/oversteer to be driver controlable, ie - right foot. Which the coupe gives you if you turn off the ASC.. Some questions snipped.. >Question 2: Is there something *inherent* in the *design* of newer BMWs >apart from lots more sound deadening material (e.g. numb steering racks, >suspension configuration (multi-link vs. semi-trailing arm, etc.) that >prevent them from being *modified* to be as entertaining to drive hard as >the older models? Will a newer BMW always be less entertaining and more >refined? See above. >Inquiring minds need to know so we can get more out of our cars .... I >hope that you people who have extensive experience with both older and >newer BMWs, both stock and modified, can share your experience. Easy to do - you're just picking the wrong BMW for your wants. >Please note that this is not meant to be a criticism of newer BMWs. I >personally have an E36 328i with a relatively mild suspension (M3 spec) and >love the car tremendously. I simply want to understand to what extent we >bimmerphiles can take a newer BMW -- already a relatively sporty car -- and >sharpen its edge without losing too much refinement. Maybe there is no >free lunch, but there are better compromises that we can strike. >I'll follow the discussion thread and summarize later on. > >Jay Sala Again - I'd suggest a few hours with an M-Coupe (or M-roadster, which is just a tad softer and not quite as stiff) to see that BMW is still producing a balls-to-the-walls fun to drive car. It's hard to drive one without getting a very big goofy grin on your face.. If you start wanting to carry 4 people or Aunt Mildred.. well, then you're getting into compromise area.. but the E36/M3 wasn't a bad compromise.. ........................................ Don Eilenberger, Spring Lk Hts, NJ JMP#1 [EMAIL PROTECTED] NJ Shore BMW Riders web page: http://www.monmouth.com/~deilenberger You're absolutely right, and I apologize --Darryl Richman ........................................ ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2000 15:19:31 -0500 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [uuc] Obviously NOT a weekend mechanics car . . . Is it entirely possible I need TWO special tools to replace the belts on my e36 325? After 100k, I thought it was probably a good idea to replace the belts. Being only moderately technically inclined, I figured I could do it with your typical assortment of 'weekend mechanic' tools. Nope. In the first 5 steps of the Haynes manual (I know, you guys are probably in tears thinking some necktie head actually needs a Haynes manual to replace the fan/alternator belts). I can take it. :) Anyway, as I was saying, in the first 5 steps, the manual calls for TWO special tools. A 'special open end wrench' and a 'hexagon bit'. Now, I have a good variety of open end wrench's' and a couple of hex bits obtained for the brakes on my e30 M3, but nothing this size. Arguably the brakes on an M could justify a special tool or socket, but not belts on a 325! Well, the car is off the jacks now until I locate (aka: buy) the special tools and find some more free time. Arghhh. Could someone provide the size of the hex and open end I need? Thanks for letting me vent. hmmmm, maybe I'll just drop it off at Foreign Motors West. :) Owen ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2000 12:25:35 -0800 From: "Rob Hatrak" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] V1 rearview mirror install Would someone please drop me an email with the web site address that showed the Valentine One's display mounted inside the mirror? I have misplaced the link, and need it for a friend. Thanks in advance, Rob ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2000 15:35:04 -0500 From: Phil Marx <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] re: "M" Provenance Ray Kang wrote: >Based on what I can glean from BMW M Series Performance Portfolio from >Brooklands Road Test Books, the M635CSi was introduced in early 1984 to the >German market with the press being allowed to drive pre-production cars in >January of 1984 (MotorSport March 1984). The M5 was officially introduced to >the German market in February of 1985, with 25 cars being delivered to >customers prior to the official introduction, as BMW Motorsport custom >orders (M Twice June 1985). BMW lists the start of production for the M635Csi as 4/84 and the M5 as 10/84. - -Phil Marx ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2000 15:34:08 EST From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [uuc] <FS> 94 325is Well, I guess the subject line says it all. Those of you who know me are aware that I looked long and hard before deciding on this particular E36: 94 325is - 03/94 prod. M50TU/B25 VaNoS 5 speed manual Schwarz III Black/Black leather interior Under 82k miles $19,000 All the usual refinements, incl: Power Seats Seat heaters Cold A/C Sunroof Cruise Control ASC - Traction Control Also: Rear Mudflaps Chrome Exhaust tips Eclipse cassette head unit with 6 disc trunk mounted CD changer TMS Chip AC Schnitzer Rear Spoiler w/LED brake light Kamei headlight eyebrows Clear front signals Tinted rear and quarter windows Just replaced water pump and thermostat, oil change, new fuel filter, redline in tranny Books and flashlight in the glovebox, toolkit is fully intact recently replaced cracked foglight I have not owned this car for very long (~6 months), and there are very few things in this world which could persuade me to part with it, but the opportunity to purchase a 95 M3 has come up... Car does not have full OBC, only temp sensor/check control. Like all 94 E36's this one has dual airbags and ABS, in addition to ASC. Oil changed every 3.5k since I've had it, washed and waxed regularly. Very nice exterior, nothing shines quite like a well-waxed black car. There are no obvious marks or scratches in the paint, although I cannot say the PO was a Q-tipper. Interior is even cleaner, nearly a 10/10, no stains, original BMW mats, what else can I say? This is a very nice car!! Between the legal tints and the spoiler, it has been regarded as fairly sinister looking, not your granny's E36. Friends initially attempted to call it Hotblack Desiato (Douglas Adams fans know what I mean) but being that at least one other BMW that I'm aware of (RIP) was already christened with that name (Hi Ken!) it instead became known as "The Light Vortex." It has that quality of being so dark it sucks in all the ambient light... Vehicle is located in Mahopac, NY (not far from White Plains), although I am a part-time resident of Worcester, MA. (508) 831-6297 - -Matt Malfa ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2000 15:36:12 -0500 From: Mark McHarry <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] RE: Adventures in Mexico Sky Atchison writes, >> I hadn't seen a single BMW on my trip through Mexico. The Euro models, including the bikes, are sold in maybe 6 cities at prices far beyond the U.S. Odds are you won't see many outside of Mexico City or Monterrey. I've seen the 3 Series and coupe in Oaxaca, where I live part-time, but with Mexico City plates >> Two days before leaving Mexico, I mistakenly thought I was on a freeway but wasn't. I flew over a brutal railroad crossing The Mexican superhighways are good - better than the California freeways because they're less trafficked - -- but are toll roads, and expensive. If you're not paying a toll you're not on a superhighway and railroad crossings will be only one of many things to watch out for. - -- Mark Mark McHarry 95 M3 ITZTLI Golden Gate Chapter BMW CCA ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2000 15:22:49 -0500 (EST) From: Moe Drippins <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] thermostat housing Jeff Schnellinger writes: > > - Overheating > Situation 2 happens when the car is stationary and doesn't benefit > from the added cooling of the radiator while the car is in motion. How would the thermo stuck OPEN affect this though? - -- Just Moe '95 540 6 speed, BL/SS ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2000 14:40:46 -0600 From: David Manderscheid <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] snow, abs, lsd, iX and tires Just got back from a week in DC and am now catching up on email and this thread. Before getting to my contribution I have to say I was quite amused to see how people in DC deal with snow. Got in Tuesday night and not a cab to found at National. Apparently a bit of snow and everything iced over - gridlock. Wednesday night 3.5 inches in the district and everything closes. Now I can understand this somewhat since they are not used to dealing with snow but what drove me a bit nuts was watching the local news. There was no discussion of proper driving techniques in snow/ice just criticism of Public Works for not salting the hell out of every street. Now to my experience. I have owned a 91 318iS and currently own a 91 325iX. The iS was a dog in snow unless it had snow tires in which case it was better than any FWD car I've ever had. The LSD helped but I would have loved to have been able to turn off the ABS. Now the iX is a different animal. The ABS on the iX actually helps in snow - different programming. Finally the iX with new and or slightly used all seasons (Dunlop 4000) was better than the iS with snows but get some wear on those tires and the tables turn. Now the iX with snows .... no comparison. Dave Manderscheid 91 325iX 61K ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2000 15:52:04 -0500 From: "Neil Deshpande" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] <E30> Stumbles. Runs on 5-cylinders My girlfriend, who is driving the 1989 325 iC (180k miles), reported engine trouble last week and I got to check it out over the weekend. Here is what I found: 1. The problem occurs about 50% of the time. I'd like to say when it is colder (it is always cold in Columbus, OH at this time of the year), but I simply did not observe it for that long. 2. When the problem occurs, the car runs very roughly, as if one cylinder was not firing and the engine was out of balance, the engine tries to die but can run on it own as long as no power is demanded of it. When driving it is OK at 1000+ RPM, but may die as you brake without pusing the clutch in. The exhaust is brown (not blue or white) and can be seen to be brown clearly as there is snow on the ground and smells smoky. 3. There is no clanging or other metallic sound as I think a 'dropped' ring might result in. 4. The dipstick is not pushed out and neither is the oil frothy with coolant. 5. The car can ALWAYS be restarted and got going in a stumbling manner. I suspect: 1. Clogged injector or engine computer malfunction specific to one cylinder. I'm not saying plug since it does run OK half the time and there is no way for a plug to clean itself I imagine. My girlfriend is not going to need the car for about 6 weeks (surgery on the foot) so there is some time for me to gather responses before I need to act. Eventually, I would bring the car up to Detroit Metro Area, MI (where I live) and sort it out. Any and all help, both diagnostic and prognostic, would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Neil Deshpande 1988 325 iS LSD and ABS 1989 325 iC No LSD and No ABS when purchased. ABS repaired. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2000 16:00:55 -0500 From: Jeff Schnellinger <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] thermostat housing Jefrem Iwaniw wrote: > > On Mon, 24 Jan 2000, Jeff Schnellinger wrote: > > Situation 1 happens when the car is moving. ( had this happen to me ) > > > > Situation 2 happens when the car is stationary and doesn't benefit from > > the added cooling of the radiator while the car is in motion. > > Huh? Moe's right -- when a thermostat is stuck "open" (i.e. allows > coolant to flow through radiator all the time) a car will not overheat > unless there are other issues with the cooling system. My guess of > the statements in the website is that they are the result of poor > editing (e.g. overheating is the result of a stuck-closed thermostat). This is correct. However, if the cooling system cannot release the heat generated fast enough, it will overheat. The system should reach an equilibrium that is below the overheating threshold, but may not be able to depending on the condition of the system. In a normal system, the coolant only flows when the thermostat opens. In the time it is closed, the coolant in the rest of the system cools down some. Then when the thermostat opens, the cooler liquid circulates and cools the engine. However, if the coolant flows constantly, and the cooling of the liquid can not keep up, the system temperature will increase. Imagine siting in traffic, with no breeze or air flow through the radiator. Jeff > > > Moe Drippins wrote: > > > For my own information, how can point 1 and 3 both be true? I would've > > > though a failed thermostat in the open position would cause a car to > > > run too cool [point 1], not hot [point 3]. > > -jefrem ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2000 16:03:50 -0500 From: "Rob Levinson - UUC Motorwerks" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] <FS> '89 325iX - it's snowing, you need it. (not sure if this went through, didn't see it the first time) This car is located at a dealer in Edison, NJ - Advantage Motors, 732-985-7774. Ask for Jon, tell him Rob sent ya. Why would I post an ad from a dealer? The lot owner been a friend of mine for about 13 years and I can vouch for the quality of the car and the EXCELLENT treatment you'll receive. Details: '89 325iX * automatic * 4-door * black exterior/interior * comfort seats, not sport * no accident damage or rust * excellent condition * 110K miles * CD player $7895 FIRM ------------------------------ End of [uucdigest] V3 #107 ************************** _________________________________________ | Please visit these UUC-approved BMW parts vendors/service providers: | (listed alphabetically) | Bonneville Motorwerks . http://www.bonnevillemotorwerks.com | Circle Tire Co. (used & classic BMW parts) e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] | Curry's Auto Service . http://www.currysauto.com | Eurosport . http://www.eurosport-hp.com | Koala MotorSport . http://www.koalamotorsport.com | Taylor BMW - http://www.taylorbmw.com - Doc Bimmer! | The Ultimate Garage . http://www.ultimategarage.com | UUC Motorwerks . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com | Zionsville Autosport . http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com ����������������������������������������
